Students often struggle with distinguishing between normal variations in behavior and actual psychological disorders, memorizing the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, and understanding the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. Additionally, the sensitive nature of the subject—covering trauma, suicide, and severe mental illness—can feel emotionally overwhelming without proper context and support.

In a classroom with a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio like many Harrisburg schools, it's difficult for instructors to address individual learning gaps or adjust pacing to your needs. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to focus on your specific weak areas—whether that's understanding diagnostic criteria, case study analysis, or connecting theory to real-world applications—and use teaching methods that match your learning style.

Most abnormal psychology courses cover the definition and classification of disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, personality disorders, substance-related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and trauma-related conditions. You'll also learn about historical perspectives on mental illness, the biopsychosocial model of understanding disorders, treatment approaches (therapy and medication), and ethical considerations in diagnosis and treatment.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the standard diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals, so understanding its structure and key diagnostic criteria is essential for any abnormal psychology course. Rather than memorizing every disorder, effective learning focuses on understanding the diagnostic framework, key symptoms, prevalence, and how disorders differ from one another—skills a tutor can help you develop through targeted practice and case analysis.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your current understanding of abnormal psychology concepts, identify specific areas where you're struggling (whether it's diagnostic criteria, theoretical frameworks, or exam preparation), and learn about your learning preferences and goals. This foundation allows the tutor to create a personalized plan that targets your needs, whether you're looking to improve grades, prepare for the AP Psychology exam, or deepen your understanding of the subject.

With personalized instruction, students typically see improvements in their ability to accurately diagnose disorders from case studies, understand the theoretical explanations for psychological conditions, perform better on exams and assignments, and develop critical thinking skills about mental health. Many students also report greater confidence in class discussions and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of human psychology and mental health treatment.

Look for tutors with a background in psychology or a related field, ideally with experience teaching or tutoring abnormal psychology at the high school or college level. Strong tutors understand current diagnostic frameworks (like the DSM-5), can explain complex concepts clearly, are familiar with different theoretical perspectives (biological, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic), and can connect textbook material to real-world applications and current mental health research.